In a staff memo, FTC Chair Andrew Ferguson celebrates Black History Month by praising Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas. Ferguson emphasizes Thomas's journey from poverty and discrimination to becoming a prominent figure in American law, highlighting his perseverance and belief in American ideals.
He describes Thomas as an 'American hero' and credits Thomas's family, faith, and hard work for his success. Ferguson points to Thomas's stance against race-conscious admissions policies, quoting his concurrence in Students for Fair Admission v. Harvard as an example of Thomas's commitment to colorblind equality.
The memo also recounts Thomas's past encounters with racism and describes how he has persevered despite facing considerable opposition and criticism. It portrays Thomas as a compassionate individual, emphasizing his caring relationships with colleagues and staff, and highlighting his dedication to the principles of equality.